How to Buy a SIM Card at Boryspil Airport (KBP) for Tourists: Where and Price

Learn how to obtain a SIM card at Boryspil Airport (KBP) in the easiest way. Pricing details, alternative options, and where to buy are all included in this guide.

SIM card at Boryspil Airport

Visitors can stay connected during their vacation by purchasing a SIM card at Boryspil Airport (KBP). This guide will assist you in determining the best location for your purchase, comprehending the cost, and investigating further possibilities. After reading this article, you’ll know how to stay in touch when traveling. 

I. How to Get a SIM Card at Boryspil Airport (KBP)?

At Boryspil Airport (KBP), there are three easy ways to get a SIM card:

  • Make an online pre order: Before your flight, order your SIM card from Kyivstar or Vodafone and pick it up at the airport.
  • Purchase at the airport: To buy and activate a SIM card, go to the SIM booths at the arrival exits.
  • Obtain an eSIM: Before your travel, buy and activate a digital SIM card online, then download it to your phone.

II. Where to Buy a SIM Card at Boryspil Airport (KBP)?

At Boryspil International Airport (KBP), tourists can purchase SIM cards from operator kiosks such as Kyivstar, Vodafone Ukraine, and Lifecell. These kiosks are conveniently located in the Arrivals Hall of Terminal D, near the information desk and Gate 11

Additionally, convenience stores like Novus Store, situated outside the airport near Terminal D Arrivals, offer SIM cards. Look for signs indicating “SIM cards” or the logos of these operators to locate the kiosks easily. Purchasing a SIM card upon arrival ensures immediate connectivity during your stay in Ukraine. 

Boryspil International Airport map
Boryspil International Airport map

1. Buy Kyivstar SIM card at Boryspil Airport 

At Boryspil International Airport (KBP), Kyivstar maintains a presence to serve arriving passengers. You can purchase a Kyivstar SIM card at their store located in the Arrivals Hall of Terminal D, near the baggage carousels.

  • Location: After exiting customs, proceed to the Arrivals Hall in Terminal D. The Kyivstar store is situated near the baggage claim area, making it convenient for travelers to acquire a SIM card upon arrival.
  • Opening Hours: The store typically operates daily from 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM. However, operating hours may vary, so it’s advisable to check for the most current information before your trip.
  • Price: Kyivstar offers various prepaid SIM card options to suit different needs. Prices generally start around $3 to $5 for 1GB of data. Additional packages with more data and call options are available at higher prices.
Terminal D at Boryspil International Airport
Terminal D at Boryspil International Airport

2. Buy Vodafone SIM card at Boryspil Airport

At Boryspil International Airport (KBP), you can find Vodafone SIM cards in Vodafone Booths. 

  • Location: These booths are typically located in the arrival halls, right after you pass through customs. You’ll find dedicated Vodafone kiosks or stores offering various SIM card options for tourists.
  • Opening hours:  6:00 AM to 11:00 PM
  • Price: A basic prepaid SIM card with a data plan suitable for short-term tourists may cost around 100 UAH (approximately 3 USD)
Vodafone kiosk at the airport
Vodafone kiosk at the airport

3. Buy Lifecell SIM card at Boryspil Airport

You can purchase a Lifecell SIM card upon arrival at Boryspil International Airport (KBP) in Kyiv, Ukraine. 

  • Location: Lifecell operates a kiosk in the arrivals area of Terminal F, near the Duty-Free shop.
  • Opening hours: daily from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM. 
  • Price: typically start around UAH 90 (2.50 USD), depending on the data and service package selected.
You can easily purchase a Lifecell SIM Card at Boryspil Airport upon arrival.
You can easily purchase a Lifecell SIM Card at Boryspil Airport upon arrival.

Recommendation: If you’re unsure which provider to choose, we recommend Kyivstar in Ukraine. Kyivstar has one of the most extensive mobile networks with fast and reliable 4G/LTE speeds in Ukraine. Moreover, with Kyivstar, you can purchase and activate your eSIM conveniently online, without needing to visit a store.

III. Do SIM card shops at Boryspil Airport open after midnight?

No. At Boryspil International Airport (KBP), SIM card stores normally operate from 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM, which is the same as the airport’s regular business hours. These hours are when the majority of SIM card booths are open. 

However, there are no guarantees that the SIM card shops remain open after midnight. For late-night arrivals, you may want to check the airport’s website or contact the specific booth in advance to confirm if they offer services beyond regular hours. 

IV. Types of Ukraine SIM Card Options for Tourists

Here is a combined comparison table of SIM card plans for tourists from Kyivstar, Vodafone Ukraine, and Lifecell in Ukraine, based on the available information.

Comparison of SIM Card Plans for Tourists in Ukraine

ProviderPlanDataLocal CallsInternational CallsApps with Free DataPrice (UAH)Notes
KyivstarLOVE UA Світло20 GBUnlimited (Kyivstar) + 150 min (other networks)150 min19 apps (Viber, Telegram, Facebook, etc.)300 UAHeSIM available
KyivstarLOVE UA Сила50 GBUnlimited (Kyivstar) + 300 min (other networks)300 min19 apps350 UAHIncludes 5GB roaming
KyivstarСуперГігUnlimitedNo callsNo callsNo apps350 UAHFor routers & tablets only
Vodafone UkraineJoice Pro~60 GBUnlimited Vodafone + 1200 minutes for other networksSome international minutesSome apps (Viber, Telegram)330 UAHBasic plan
Vodafone UkraineJoice Max~80 GBUnlimited Vodafone + 1400 minutes for other networksSome international minutesSome social media apps450 UAHMid-tier plan
Vodafone UkraineJoice Start40 GBUnlimited Vodafone + 1000 minutes for other networksSome international minutesSome apps270 UAHHigh-end plan
LifecellSmart Life~20–30 GBUnlimited Lifecell + minutes for other networksSome international minutesSome apps~200–300 UAHPopular plan
LifecellБезліміт (Unlimited)UnlimitedUnlimited Lifecell + many minutes for other networksSome international minutesSome apps~350–450 UAHPremium plan

V. Registration Process on Buying a SIM card at Boryspil Airport 

To buy a SIM card at Boryspil Airport (KBP), tourists need to provide a passport, ensure their phone is unlocked, and be ready to pay using cash or a card. These are the main requirements to complete the registration process with local providers like Kyivstar, Vodafone Ukraine, or Lifecell.

The process can feel complicated, as it involves showing personal information (passport) and sometimes waiting for activation. Many tourists find this inconvenient and prefer alternatives. 

You can make things easier by getting an international SIM card online before your trip, so you won’t have to deal with registration. eSIM is one of great options that doesn’t require showing a passport. You can activate it immediately upon landing.

VI. eSIM at Boryspil Airport – Alternative to Ukraine SIM Card

A tourist eSIM for Ukraine is an excellent alternative to a traditional SIM card at Boryspil Airport.
A tourist eSIM for Ukraine is an excellent alternative to a traditional SIM card at Boryspil Airport.

Unlike physical SIM cards that require pick-up, insertion, or swapping, a tourist Ukraine eSIM can be purchased online and activated instantly from anywhere in the world. Ukraine eSIM (like Kyivstar eSIM) can be purchased online either prior to your arrival in Ukraine or once you arrive at Boryspil Airport. Simply scan a QR code or enter a code, and your plan is ready to use.

Among the many travel eSIM providers, Gigago stands out as a reliable choice for every traveler. Gigago offers eSIMs from leading telecom providers in Ukraine, guaranteeing stable and fast internet connectivity throughout your journey.

Gigago Ukraine eSIM plans are budget-friendly, starting at $3.00 , and provide 500MB of data per day for 3 days. Whether you’re on a short visit or a longer stay, Gigago’s flexible plans, starting at $3.00$95.90 , offer a variety of data packages and validity periods to match your travel needs.

VII. FAQ about SIM Card at Boryspil Airport

Can I buy a SIM card at Boryspil Airport?

Yes. You can purchase a Ukraine SIM card at Boryspil Airport. There are kiosks and stores available that sell SIM cards from various Ukrainian providers.

Do I need to bring identification to buy a SIM card at Boryspil Airport?

Yes. You will need to present your passport or another valid identification document when purchasing a Ukraine SIM card at Boryspil Airport.

Are there eSIM options available at Boryspil Airport?

Yes. eSIM options are available for purchase at Boryspil Airport, or you can buy them online (from travel eSIM retailers like Gigago) in advance for immediate activation

VIII. Conclusion

In conclusion, you can easily buy a SIM card at Boryspil Airport (KBP) with your passport and an unlocked phone. Prices depend on the plan you choose, with options from Kyivstar, Vodafone, and Lifecell. For a simpler option, skip the registration and get an international SIM card or eSIM before your trip.